DG DSS Hails NUJ Man of the Year Award as Milestone in Security-Media Partnership

DG DSS Hails NUJ Man of the Year Award as Milestone in Security-Media Partnership

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has described his conferment as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a strong affirmation of the growing partnership between national security agencies and the media.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award on Monday, Mr. Ajayi expressed profound appreciation to the NUJ, saying the recognition reflects the cordial relationship that has developed between the DSS and the media since he assumed office.

"I so much value this award coming from the Nigeria Union of Journalists; hence the reason I chose to receive it personally," Mr. Ajayi said.

"Since assuming office, the media has been a friend of the Service, and we will continue to partner in areas we can for the development of the country."

Reaffirming the Service's commitment to press freedom, the DSS Director-General recalled his public pledge of "no arrest of journalists," noting that the Service has remained faithful to that commitment. He added that the honour would further inspire the DSS to strengthen its efforts in promoting national security while supporting professional capacity-building for journalists.

Earlier, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, disclosed that the Union's National Executive Council unanimously selected Mr. Ajayi for the prestigious honour. He attributed the decision to the DG's exemplary leadership in fostering constructive engagement with the media and the DSS's invaluable support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.

Comrade Abdullahi said the award recognises professionalism, dedication to public service, and initiatives that have strengthened mutual understanding, responsible communication, and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media.

The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment by the NUJ to deepen institutional collaboration with the DSS and other stakeholders in advancing a secure, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria through mutual respect, transparency, and constructive engagement.

The event was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and top national officers of the NUJ, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.If you want this in a newspaper style, I can also add a lead, dateline, and byline suitable for publication.